Hearts & Stars (A Paul Stanley X Tommy Thayer Rock & Roll Love Story)

Chapter 2-Spaced Heir-Apparent, Welcome to the Show! (Tommy Thayer Pov)

A/N: Included the song above, because to me it perfectly sums up Tommy's feelings! Please enjoy the chapter!

It had become apparent especially in the last few years that I was going to eventually take Ace's place. Ace didn't show up on time, didn't seem to care and then there's also the fact that he tried and failed, repeatedly may I add to get into Paul's good graces. Paul and him had once been in a relationship from about 73 to 82, that ended badly from what I'd heard. Then when Kiss decided to have a reunion and subsequent tour and all, and so they'd resumed their toxic really relationship. It didn't last long, maybe a few months.... Still, it was enough to break my heart. For I'd fallen in love with Paul when I'd first met him, which was at MTV Unplugged. Not that he ever knew, not that he knows I love him still today and not that he knew then that it was love at first sight.

In any case, when Paul called me to welcome me aboard, welcome me to Kiss.... Well, it was a dream come true. It IS a dream come true, and not just because I will get to spend even more time with Paul than I do already. It's always been a dream of mine to be in Kiss, and Ace was one of my guitar heroes and so it stings...badly that he hates my guts. However, Paul too was one of my heroes, a consummate rhythm guitarist and lyricist.

2002, and it's a hell of year...has been already. I go from the spaced-heir apparent to the crown prince so to speak, it's a lot to take in. It's a lot.... For my heart, my heart is fluttering and it's from more than just that I'm gonna be the new spaceman.... it's Paul of course. Have you ever needed someone so bad? Someone that you couldn't have. That's been me for a few years.... still is.

Currently I am headed over to the house of the source of all my anxieties, the source of my love...just my heart, period. The home of the Starchild himself, Paul Stanley. Oh, dear god! We are just hanging out, Thomas.... just hanging out. We are friends, nothing more than that.

I can't deny my heart, but I am.... I just don't know...I don't know how Paul feels about me. Does he feel anything at all? Just friends Tommy.... just friends.

Before I know it, I'm pulling up to Paul's magnificent and gorgeous house and he's waiting on his doorstep for me...waiting for me. It's his habit to greet someone as such, but it makes my heart thunder in my ears...it's a wonder no one else can hear it. I park and step out and that voice rings out and does something to me...it does every single time....

"Hey Tommy! Glad you could come! Come in, please!"

"Happy to be here Paul, happy to be here." Oh, Paul you have no idea just how happy I truly am to be here. "So, why'd you invite me over again?"

"Because I thought we could hang out & celebrate and stuff. Just you & I...if that's ok...", Paul trails off uncharacteristically uncertain.... weird. very weird.... I however brush it off.

"Sure! And ooh, did you cook? It smells so good! God, I wish I were as good a cook as you! And Coincidentally I'm starving!", I say earning a chuckle from Paul as we head to the kitchen where truly some delicious smells are.

"Are you possessed by Eric right now? Sounds like something he'd say.", Paul raises an eyebrow, but a smile is tugging at the corners of his perfectly full lips.... bad Tommy! Don't go there! Paul is teasing me thought, I can tell.

Smirking I reply almost silkily, "If I were, I'd have already found any sugar-based products and swiped them. Eric is like a blood-hound, but he sniffs out sugar...Maybe its because he's married to world's most notorious sweet tooth: Gene."

"Nah, Eric had always been a sugar fiend...you should know that. Gene just made it worse...oh, uh hope you like baked spaghetti.", Paul smiles and why? Why does it hurt so much? To desire something, someone...and know that you can never have them. I frown and Paul looks concerned....

"Tommy, you, ok? Did I say something wrong?"

I sigh, but manage a smile, "I'm fine sorry, just um thinking. Feeling a little overwhelmed is all!"

Paul crosses his arms, "Tommy it's ok. I can understand why you're feeling that way. It is a lot to take in and sometimes it can be grueling to be in Kiss. I won't sugar-coat it, but I know you. Your one hell of a guitarist, your talented and your perfect! You can do this; I believe in you."

Can I do this? Sure, I know I've got the talent and all. Can I handle being around the man I love? That I'm not sure about.... Before I know it, we're eating the unbelievably delicious dinner Paul made, talking, and laughing, just cutting up, celebrating you know?

Oh Paul, if only you knew.... if only you knew....my heart is yours...if only you knew. If only you felt the same way.

A/N: Can't wait to hear your thoughts! Hope you guys liked this!